QANTAS WALLABIES FINALISE RESERVES TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA IN BLOEMFONTEIN

Sep 29 • General News, International • 2147 Views • Comments Off on QANTAS WALLABIES FINALISE RESERVES TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA IN BLOEMFONTEIN

Qantas Wallabies team to play South Africa at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on Saturday 30 September, 5.00pm local time

1. Scott Sio (36 Tests)

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (75 Tests)

3. Sekope Kepu (84 Tests)

4. Izack Rodda (2 Tests)

5. Adam Coleman (15 Tests)

6. Jack Dempsey (3 Tests)

7. Michael Hooper (c) (72 Tests)

8. Sean McMahon (19 Tests)

9. Will Genia (vc) (82 Tests)

10. Bernard Foley (vc) (49 Tests)

11. Reece Hodge (17 Tests)

12. Kurtley Beale (64 Tests)

13. Tevita Kuridrani (51 Tests)

14. Marika Koroibete (1 Test)

15. Israel Folau (59 Tests)

Reserves

16. Stephen Moore (122 Tests)

17. Tom Robertson (13 Tests)

18. Allan Alaalatoa (16 Tests)

19. Rob Simmons (75 Tests)

20. Ned Hanigan (7 Tests)

21. Lukhan Tui*

22. Nick Phipps (55 Tests)

23. Samu Kerevi (11 Tests)

*denotes uncapped

Tui to debut after being confirmed amongst the reserves

Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Tui is set for his Test debut, after the 21-year old was named amongst the reserves ahead of Saturday night’s (Sunday morning AEST) clash against South Africa at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Tui is set to become Wallaby 914, just over a year after making his Super Rugby debut for Queensland against the Bulls.

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has opted for a six-two split of forwards and backs amongst his reserves, with Henry Speight dropping off the extended bench.

Qantas Wallabies coach, Michael Cheika said: “We brought him (Tui) in earlier on in June and he got a bit of a look at it. He realised what was happening with the team, it was a little bit different and a level up from Super Rugby. Then he went away for a while and I was quite impressed with how he has been playing in the National Rugby Championship, not just his impact but his involvement.”

“I know that people might say ‘why do you do this with younger guys in this environment’ but at the end of the day, I see these lads as talented players. I want to get them time now and give them the experience now. I still think they can perform well.

“We don’t want to have any excuses for not working as hard as we can. It doesn’t have to be perfect but we have to work as hard as we can. We have nearly a whole forward pack on the bench there, and that sets a precedent. You have to go for it from the first whistle to the last,” Cheika said.

Australia are currently third on the Rugby Championship standings but will overtake South Africa with a win on Saturday (local time).

The Wallabies have a poor record against the Springboks on South Africa’s Highveld with just three wins from 21 Tests at altitude.

Sunday morning’s (AEST) clash will be screened LIVE, ad-break free during play and in HD on FOX SPORTS 501 from 12.30am AEST. Fans can also LIVE stream the match on Foxtel Now (for Foxtel subscribers).

FOX SPORTS will show every game of The Rugby Championship LIVE, with no ad-breaks during play and in HD.

All Rugby Championship Test matches will be screened live and free in High Definition on TEN and WIN Network and on tenplay.com.au with the Test against South Africa on Sunday morning from 12.50am AEST in all markets.